ML20107F814
| ML20107F814 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Issue date: | 04/15/2020 |
| From: | Wendy Reed Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research |
| To: | Nicholas Mcmurray ClearPath |
| WAReed NMSS/DFM/MSB 415.7213 | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML20107F810 | List: |
| References | |
| Download: ML20107F814 (2) | |
Text
From: Reed, Wendy To: Nicholas McMurray Cc: Lohr, Edward
Subject:
RE: ClearPath Comments on Spent Fuel Reprocessing Rulemaking Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2020 2:07:00 PM Good afternoon, Nicholas, Thank you for your email. We appreciate your comments on the reprocessing rulemaking, and will consider them as the staff moves forward in developing its recommendation to the Commission.
- Regards, Wendy Reed, Ph.D.
Metallurgist Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Mail Stop T10A36 11555 Rockville Pike Rockville, MD 20852-2738 Phone: 301-415-7213 From: Nicholas McMurray <mcmurray@clearpath.org>
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2020 5:18 PM To: Reed, Wendy <Wendy.Reed@nrc.gov>; Lohr, Edward <Edward.Lohr@nrc.gov>
Subject:
[External_Sender] ClearPath Comments on Spent Fuel Reprocessing Rulemaking
Dear Wendy and Edward,
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) public meeting on March 4, 2020 (ML20063L252), and to provide input as the staff develops a paper to the Commission pertaining to the spent fuel reprocessing regulatory basis and associated rulemaking.
ClearPath broadly supports finding a solution for the ultimate disposal of spent nuclear fuel. One solution is reprocessing, which has been successfully demonstrated in other countries. Since there is current interest by the U.S. Department of Energy as well as proposed bi-partisan legislation on this topic (H.R.6097, The Nuclear Energy Research and Development Act), it is reasonable for the NRC to be proactive in developing a regulatory framework to address spent fuel reprocessing.
Recently, the NRC has taken significant efforts to modernize its regulatory framework in order to efficiently and effectively review and license advanced reactors. This focus on modernization should continue in other areas of the Agency. While a new rulemaking does require significant NRC resources, creating a feasible licensing pathway for spent fuel reprocessing would provide regulatory certainty for stakeholders.
Today there are several advanced reactor designs that could use spent fuel recycled from existing reactors to produce heat or electricity. This rulemaking effort can enable another innovative use for these reactor technologies. Finally, pursuing this effort would be another example demonstrating the NRCs commitment to transformation and to become a modern regulator that leverages opportunities for applicants or licensees to use new technologies to achieve both safety and security.
Thank you again, Nicholas McMurray Nuclear Program Director ClearPath